South American Herbs

Cat’s Claw / Una de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa) Bark Powder

Una de Gato is the most sacred herb among some Amazonian tribes. They have widely used Cat’s Claw bark and root as a general health tonic, an effective antioxidant and as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Decoctions (the extraction of the water-soluble substances by boiling) prepared from the bark of Cat’s claw are widely used in the traditional Peruvian medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatic disorders, acne, diabetes, cancer and diseases of the urinary tract. Indigenous Shamans believe in spiritual causes of sickness, that greed and anger often causes cancer, fear causes Asthma, etc. and that Una de Gato helps to unify the broken harmony between the physical and spiritual world. Modern research seems to support the tribal uses.

More info

Catuaba (Trichillia catigua) Bark Powder

Catuaba is well known in Brazil for its impressive physiological and psychological benefits. Originally, the natives boiled the tree bark to concoct a strong, vigorous drink. The Catabua bark was also used by the Tupi to relieve pain, improve memory, ease depression, and control anxiety. Catuaba has also been found to be an excellent aid in antiviral and antibacterial therapy.

Considered a natural aphrodisiac, it stimulates the reproductive systems of both males and females. Catuaba has been primarily used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and libido stimulant for both males and females, as well as a tonic to fortify the nervous system. It is said to calm the nerves, relieve insomnia, ease anxiety, restlessness, depression and emotional stress. The herb is also used to increase blood circulation to the brain (helping poor memory), to the reproductive organs (helping the libido) and to the heart.

Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa) Bark Extract 10:1 / Bark Powder

Chuchuhuasi means "trembling back,” which refers to its use as a back pain reliever. The indigenous people of the Amazon have used the bark for centuries for the treatment of aching muscles and joints in rheumatism and arthritis. Local healers and Curanderos in South America use Chuchuhuasi as a general tonic and immunity stimulant to speed healing, and as a synergist combined with other medicinal plants for many types of sicknesses. People along the Amazon believe that Chuchuhuasi is an aphrodisiac. The bark soaked in rum is a popular drink that is common to find it in many restaurants and bars in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. A tea made of the bark is an excellent beverage on its own.

More info

Copaiba balsam (Copaifera paupera) Oleoresin

Although this resin is referred to as a balsam, in reality it is more a natural thick clear oil of golden colour that is believed to have diuretic, antibacterial, disinfectant and stimulant properties. It has been found most beneficial in chronic mucous affections, as in chronic gonorrhoea, bronchitis, irritable conditions of the bladder, gleets, leucorrhoea, chronic catarrh, chronic diarrhoea and obstinate piles. Other internal uses are against stomach ulcers, chronic catarrh, colds, respiratory problems, bronchitis, ear-pain and gonorrhoea. The Shamans of the Amazon say that there is nothing better for any kind of respiratory problems and to expel mucous from the lungs. Externally Copaiba balsam is used as an anti-inflammatory agent that can be rubbed directly on sore joints and against many kinds of skin disorders, cuts, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, psoriasis, infected wounds, and haemorrhoids. Due to its nice fragrance it has wide cosmetic uses as a scenting agent in perfumes, soaps, creams, bubble baths and lotions and is also used as an emollient.

More info

Dragon’s Blood / Sangre de Drago (Croton lechleri) Latex

Dragon’s Blood shows anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activity. It has been in use for centuries by indigenous tribes of South America for topical, and internal applications. They applied it topically to bug bites and stings, on wounds to accelerate healing, to stop bleeding and to seal and protect injuries from infections. Further on burned skin to create a kind of “skin layer” to stop infection and pain, and to speed up the healing process. Shamans are using Dragon’s Blood orally against diarrhoea. Traditional doses are generally 5-20 drops mixed in water and taken1-3 times per day for up to 3 weeks. No side effects are known for the internal use of Dragon’s Blood.

More info

Guarana (Paullina cupana) Seed Extract

Amazonian Indians used Guarana for centuries as a heart tonic and to thin the blood. Today it is well known for its stimulant action and is taken as a health tonic by millions. Brazilians believe it helps over come heat fatigue, combats premature aging, detoxifies the blood, and is useful for flatulence, obesity, dyspepsia, fatigue and arteriosclerosis. In North America it is reputed to increase stamina and physical endurance. Scientific validation is given to its antiaggregation properties, meaning its ability to prevent the formation of blood clots and to help in the breakdown of clots that had already been formed.
Caution: Quantities less than a quarter of a teaspoon (500mg) of this extract are already powerful and may cause too much stimulantion in individuals sensitive to caffeine.

More info

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) Leaf Tea

In Ecuador Guayusa has been used from ancient times to modern day to increase physical and mental capacity, to fight fatigue, and to restore youthful energy.  Generally hailed as a long-life plant it is consumed daily for nourishment as well as to lift the mood and increase memory and concentration. Indigenous hunters drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts and call it the “Night Watchman" because it helps them stay alert and awake all night. For many Ecuadorian indigenous people, the morning drinking of guayusa is a social ritual. The leaves are boiled to produce a tea; due to the high caffeine content, the same leaves are often used multiple times, sometimes for several days. In addition to caffeine, guayusa also contains guanidine.

Functioning as a balanced stimulant, the Kichwa also say that guayusa promotes restful sleep and good dreams. Unlike coffee, it is said to be good for excessive acidity, bile and other problems in the stomach. It is both energizing and relaxing at the same time and develops mental strength.

Huanarpo Macho (Jatropha macrantha) Bark Powder

In Peru Huanarpo Macho bark and stem is a very popular male sexual tonic and aphrodisiac. It is considered an overall male sexual stimulant and libido aid and used to restore sexual potency, for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It is also used in Peruvian herbal medicine for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and diabetes and as a nerve tonic to calm and support the central nervous system. Suggested Use: Huanarpo Macho is best prepared as an alcohol tincture. Combine 1 part bark powder with 4 parts 90 proof alcohol (Rum, Vodka, Brandy), allow macerating for 2 weeks while agitating solution daily, then strain into a clean bottle and seal. It is traditionally taken in dosages of 3 ml (90 drops) twice daily or as needed.

More info

Iporuro (Alchornea castaneifolia) Leaf Powder

Iporuro is traditionally used for inflammatory problems such as arthritis, rheumatisms, muscle and joint pains, to increase flexibility and the range of motion. Therefore it is prepared as an alcoholic tincture and taken orally or applied topically. Iporuro has been gaining popularity among North American athletes and health practitioners recently; reports indicate that Iporuro provides nutritional support to muscle and joint structures. It is also showing great promise in balancing sugar levels in diabetics. Further Iporuro is considered to be a geriatric, meaning it is useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases specific to the aging process. Finally Iporuro leaves are believed to be a remedy in the treatment of Impotency and are ingredients in the famous Siete Raices aphrodisiac.

More info

Pau d'Arco / Lapacho / Tahuari (Tabebuia serratifolia) Bark Powder

The inner bark of the Lapacho tree plays a central role in the herbal medicine of native Indians of Brazil, Northern Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru. They have used Lapacho for medicinal purposes for centuries, naming it "The Divine Tree", "to have strength and vigour " and "Giver of Life.“ Using Lapacho bark may combat infection, give greater vitality, strengthen cellular structure, and help to eliminate pain and inflammations. Lapacho is applied externally and internally for the treatment of fevers, infections, colds, flu, syphilis, cancer, respiratory problems, skin ulcerations and boils, dysentery, gastro-intestinal problems of all kinds, debilitating conditions such as arthritis and prostatitis, and circulation disturbances. Many other beneficial effects have been validated by modern research. Clinical studies show it has no contraindications, no incompatibilities, and has proven to be non-toxic.

More info

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Root Extract 10:1

Manayupa (Desmodium molliculum) Leaf Powder

Peru Balsam (Myroxylon pereirae) Oleoresin

Peru Balsam or Balsam of Peru is a sticky black highly aromatic liquid that comes from cutting the bark of the tree Myroxolon pereirare. It smells of vanilla and cinnamon. Balsam of Peru is used for its aromatic and fixative (i.e. delays evaporation) properties and also for its mild antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic attributes. It has 3 main uses: fragrance in perfumes and toiletries; flavouring in food and drink; healing properties in medicinal products. Caution: Allergic reactions from use of Balsam of Peru may occur in sensitive individuals. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.

More info